Code: | AST4003 | Acronym: | AST4003 |
Keywords | |
---|---|
Classification | Keyword |
OFICIAL | Astronomy |
Active? | Yes |
Responsible unit: | Department of Physics and Astronomy |
Course/CS Responsible: | Master in Astronomy and Astrophysics |
Acronym | No. of Students | Study Plan | Curricular Years | Credits UCN | Credits ECTS | Contact hours | Total Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M:A_ASTR | 13 | Study plan since academic year 2023/2024 | 1 | - | 6 | 42 | 162 |
It is intended that students understand the workings and characteristics of detectors and instruments of observation in modern astronomy, in particular in the optical waveband and including CCD cameras and spectrographs. They should also acquire the basic knowledge enabling them to reduce photometric and spectroscopic data, analyze the results and infer conclusions on practical applications in research.
Familiarization with the basic signals in Astronomy (photometry, spectroscopy), detectors and their operation in order to be able to reduce the respective data. Acquisition of basic knowledge on data reduction. Ability to handle specific software and analyse the results of its application to real data.
1. Instrumentation in Astronomy - Cameras and detectors. - Noise and artifacts recorded on a CCD and their correction. - Filter and magnitude systems in the optical. - The spectrograph and the dipersor - gratings. - Resolving power of a spectrograph. - Quick reference to multi-object spectroscopy and integral field spectroscopy. 2. Reduction of low-resolution spectroscopic observations - The treatment of thermal noise and sensitivity analysis of the detector. - Removal of the effects of cosmic rays in the images. - Calibration of the spectra in wavelength. - Calibration of spectra in flux using standard reference stars. - Analysis 3. Reduction of observations in several photometric filters - The treatment of thermal noise and sensitivity analysis of the detector. - PSF analysis and detection of objects in the image. - Aperture photometry. - Photometry calibration using standard stars.
Support documents regarding the software used for data reduction will be made available or indicated to the students. Published scientific papers will also be given as bibliographic material, when/if required.
Practical work with computer during classes, enabling the reduction of real astronomical data using the adopted software. These classes will be supplemented with lectures on the fundamentals of data processing. The final exam will use the computer, in order to reduce real observations, both spectroscopic and photometric.
designation | Weight (%) |
---|---|
Teste | 50,00 |
Exame | 50,00 |
Total: | 100,00 |
designation | Time (hours) |
---|---|
Estudo autónomo | 120,00 |
Frequência das aulas | 42,00 |
Total: | 162,00 |
Students can choose between two alternative assessment systems:
A- with continuous assessment:
A1. [50%] Intermediate written test on Photometry;
A2. [50%] Intermediate written test on Spectroscopy (that takes place on the date of the first exam - época normal).
B- without continuous assessment:
Appeal exam (época de recurso) with two components: Photometry [50%] + Spectroscopy [50%].
By exam, in the "época de recurso" (appeal). The appeal exam will have two components: a module on spectroscopy and another one on photometry. If the student wishes, he/she can improve the grade in only one of the modules.